Surrey PoliceThe stepmother and uncle of Sara Sharif won’t give proof of their defence throughout their trial for the 10-year-old’s homicide.
On the Outdated Bailey, Mr Justice Cavanagh requested if every of the defendants’ barristers had suggested their purchasers that the “jury could draw such inference as is correct” from their failure to take action, they usually confirmed that they had.
Sara’s stepmother Beinash Batool, 30, and uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, together with the lady’s father, Urfan Sharif, 42, have denied homicide and inflicting or permitting her loss of life.
The courtroom beforehand heard that Sara’s physique was discovered with dozens of accidents on the household’s residence in Woking, Surrey, final 12 months, and that she had been hooded, burned and overwhelmed throughout greater than two years of abuse.
The jury have been requested to return on Wednesday and later this week authorized instructions will begin, the decide informed the courtroom.
Warning: This text accommodates distressing particulars
A autopsy examination discovered Sara had suffered accidents together with “possible human chew marks”, an iron burn and scalding from sizzling water earlier than she died on 8 August 2023.
Prosecutor Invoice Emlyn Jones KC beforehand mentioned a bloodstained cricket bat, a rolling pin with Sara’s DNA on it, a metallic pole, a belt and cord have been discovered close to the household’s outhouse.
Surrey PoliceBelow cross-examination, Mr Sharif beforehand accepted “full duty” for Sara’s loss of life, however later denied aspiring to kill her.
He additionally informed the jury he was mendacity when he known as his spouse, Ms Batool, a “psycho” earlier within the trial.
Mr Sharif admitted beating Sara, however denied biting or burning her.
The courtroom beforehand heard Mr Sharif, Ms Batool and Mr Malik travelled to Islamabad, Pakistan, with Sara’s 5 brothers and sisters on 9 August 2023, the day earlier than her physique was discovered.
The trial continues.
